How does Source-Nexus Gateway compare with Source-Connect?

This document describes the differences between the desktop application of Source-Connect and the browser-based app Source-Nexus. At Source Elements, we always recommend using Source-Connect when recording. However, we know that’s not always possible and Source-Nexus Gateway is an excellent second choice. 

Source-Connect as desktop software benefits from: 

1. Audio Purity: System audio recording software is renowned for delivering top-notch audio quality. It captures sound directly from your system's audio drivers, ensuring your recordings are crystal clear. 
2. Customization Galore: We give you many more options so you can adjust settings, select specific input sources, and fine-tune audio quality to match your needs. 
3. Advanced Features: Advanced editing features, like effects, noise reduction, and fine-tuning, are available. Elevates your audio to pro levels. 
4. Guaranteed recording: Source-Connect’s Auto-Restore and Auto-Replace feature means that you never miss a perfect recording, ever again. When the internet creates clicks and distortions, Source-Connect ensures that the recording is pristinely recovered within the seconds, or replaced with the original PCM audio from the talent’s mic, as if the engineer had recorded it directly themselves on the same location!
5. Audio quality: Source-Connect uses Fraunhofer’s renowned AAC ELD v2 codec which offers Full-HD audio quality. It is particularly good at better quality at lower bitrates, compared to Opus. So, you don't need as much available bandwidth to record at high quality. With Opus you can get up to 512kbps in the browser, which is comparable to AAC 320kbps which is supported by Source-Connect.

Source-Nexus Gateway as a browser-hosted application: 

1. Feature Limitations: Browsers are straightforward tools created for work and entertainment that lack advanced features for extensive audio editing such as access to external storage and devices. Further drawbacks to using a browser to record audio include that when closing the tab, quitting the browser, or a crash causes a loss in data that is not retrievable. 
2. Audio hardware access: Browsers can only capture and record audio the lower quality bit-rates of 16-bit signed int, and always at 48khz. 
3. Internet Connection: While all remote recording applications require a stable internet connection, browsers handle offline or poor-connectivity situations in ways that negatively impact your recording experience. The browser will always prioritise Intelligibility over Accuracy meaning that when necessary, the audio will timestretch resulting in unwanted pitching sounds. Additionally, this makes it impossible to synchronization remote streams. 
4. Benefits: Even though Source-Nexus Gateway was primarily designed for Review & Approval the audio quality is very good and many find this perfectly usable for remote recording. Additionally, Source-Nexus Gateway works on iOS and Android phones and tablets and allows guests to join immediately, no prior software or license needed. 

Is Source-Nexus Gateway compatible with a session hosted by someone using Source Connect? 

Not directly, however we designed Source-Connect and Source-Nexus to interoperate. When you are using Source-Nexus Suite you have access to the Source-Nexus I/O virtual driver system and the Source-Nexus Router. With these, you can configure a comprehensive setup to connect using Source-Connect for the purposes of recording, and route the performer to the Source-Nexus Gateway to connect with the clients and stakeholders. 

When should I use Source-Connect, when should I use Source-Nexus Gateway? 

The selection between the Source-Connect software and the Source-Nexus Gateway browser applications is ultimately depending on the individual requirements and preferences of those participating in the session. Opting for Source-Connect is advisable when prioritizing audio quality, advanced editing functionalities and integrated support for the engineer’s DAW. Conversely, choosing Source-Nexus Gateway on the browser supports accessibility, simplicity, and budget considerations. Certain professional scenarios may even necessitate the utilization of both tools as described above, allowing for adaptation to diverse recording situations. 

But, at the end of the day, it's all about figuring out what the particular requirements are—often determined by the recording engineers according to their preferences and budget— and the desired outcome of the audio recording. Irrespective of the chosen approach, the overarching objective remains consistent: the creation of exceptional audio recordings to engage the audience. No matter which route you take, the main goal is always the same – create killer audio recordings that captivate your audience.